Consider the Fast Charge Option
When it comes to recharging the forklift battery, there is an old rule of thumb which goes something like this: utilize the battery for a shift of approximately 8 hours, charge it for 8 hours and afterward let it rest and cool for another 8 hours. This formula has changed for numerous work applications that run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging option has become a really common alternative to conventional charging and ever since its development; many companies have opted to make the switch.
What Are the Benefits of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
Where the average charger and battery was concerned, re-energizing a battery from a 20% state of charge up to a full 100% charge used to take about 8 hours. Fast charging can now accomplish this same charging in roughly an hour to an hour and 30 minutes! Numerous businesses use scheduled lunch and break times to accomplish this important task.
Easier Refills
Frequently, fast charge batteries also require a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not have to remove the battery from the lift truck to be able to water it.
Temperature-Sensitive Design
There is a thermistor located near the center cell on each new fast charge battery which helps it to monitor temperature. The charge rate is reduced and may sometimes stop once the temperatures get to a particular level. This is important so that the battery does not overheat. Unfortunately, this method can lead to an undercharged battery. There are several specific fast charge battery brands which use inter-cell connectors, extra thick posts and copper inserts in order to increase conductivity and decrease heat generation due to the higher current. These features help to enable the battery to accept a higher charge rate for a longer period of time.
These machines have seen their overall productivity increase greatly ever since the fast charge battery system was developed. In the past, businesses used to need more than one machine when they were operating around the clock; nowadays they can utilize one lift truck twice as much in a day and save a lot of money by using the fast charging batteries.